Michigan State was a win against Ohio State away from playing Wisconsin for the Big Ten Championship. After beating Penn State on an afternoon in which Ohio State was massacred by Iowa, Michigan State controlled its own destiny. That might have been the worst thing for MSU. Playing a pissed off Urban Meyer squad is never good.
After a 3-9 season in 2016, everyone assumed Dantonio and the Spartans were done. MSU followed up their 2016-17 campaign by going 9-3. A triple OT loss to Northwestern and a blowout loss to Ohio State kept the Spartans from finding Indianapolis for a fourth time. Wins over Michigan and Penn State proved that Michigan State could hang with the ‘big boys.’ A blowout bowl win over Washington State would give the Spartans their tenth win of the season, good for Dantonio’s sixth ten-win season in East Lansing.
The defense returned to Dantonio’s standard and checked in at 7th in total defense only surrendering about 297 yards per game. MSU allowed an even 20 points per game. However, the offense struggled to score points and at times, move the ball. MSU submitted 24.5 points per game and only gained about 383 yards per game (good for 91st).
NCAA ’19 Prestige Ranking
Five out of six stars. Michigan State claims six national titles. In addition, they have eleven conference titles and 31 consensus All-Americans. Wins in the 2014 Rose Bowl (their fourth Rose Bowl victory) and 2015 Cotton Bowl complement Big Ten titles in 2010 (shared), 2013 and 2015. Mark Dantonio has an astounding record against hated rival Michigan. He’s established a quasi-rivalry with Ohio State. There are not many programs in the nation that have enjoyed the success that Dantonio has created in East Lansing.
Continued success under Mark Dantonio will uphold this ranking.
Last Year’s Record: 9-3 (7-2 Big Ten)
Projected Returning Starters
Offense: 9
QB Brian Lewerke (20 TDs passing, 5 rushing), RB LJ Scott (898 rush yards 2017), WR Cody White, WR Felton Davis III (55 receptions, 776 yards, 9 TDs), TE Matt Sokol, LT Cole Chewins, LG David Beedle, RG Kevin Jarvis, RT Luke Campbell
Michigan State comes into 2018 loaded on offense. In actuality, it should be ten returning starters as all-purpose monster Darrell Stewart Jr (50 receptions, 501 yards, 2 TDs; 20 carries, 140 yards) returns. The numbers looked less than spectacular for the Spartans but bringing back everyone except for the center bodes well for the Spartans.
The spring game proved that MSU is ready to let QB Brian Lewerke distribute the ball to his playmakers in addition to using his feet more often.
MSU has three linemen that check in at 300+ pounds. LJ Scott is ready to be the bell cow in his senior season. This group of receivers is mean and physical. Oh, and Felton Davis III could easily contend for first-team all-Big Ten honors and possibly more. Connor Heyward looks more than ready to take carries now that he’s in the fold at tailback. True freshman LaDarius Jefferson, Michigan’s Mr. Football, will also be in the mix for touches after leading Muskegon to a state championship. Although he was the quarterback in high school, he’ll figure in for running back depth in East Lansing.
Defense: 8
DT Raequan Williams, NT Mike Panasiuk, DE Kenny Willekes, LB Joe Bachie, CB Justin Layne, CB Josiah Scott, STAR Andrew Dowell, SS Khari Willis, FS David Dowell
The Spartans are LOADED on defense. Aside from twins (yes twins, everyone’s fantasy) Andrew and David Dowell, Michigan State will have not one but two Panasiuks on the defense as Jacub will join Mike on the defensive line. Furthermore, Michael Dowell (a three-star) will join the defensive backfield as the third Dowell brother. The interior of the defensive line will anchor a front seven that includes a cast of linebackers thirsty for blood. Andrew Dowell loves playing in the box and not much gets by Joe Bachie, who recorded over 100 tackles last year. Tyriq Thompson looks like a beast and ready to replace Chris Frey.
The edge lacks depth and pass-rushers are a definite need. Michigan State lacks a player who requires extra attention from any offense on the edge.
The defensive backfield is the calling card for this team. Justin Layne and Josiah Scott are two of the best corners in the Big Ten. David Dowell was a ball hawk for the Spartans. Khari Willis is an emerging leader at safety. This defensive backfield shows flashes of being the vaunted 2013 No-Fly Zone.
The big story on defense could be early-enrollee Xavier Henderson out of Ohio state champion Pickerington Central. He played receiver, safety and handled kick return duties. He’s expected to see playing time sooner rather than later. That’s not a knock on MSU’s defense either. The kid is an elite athlete and an all-around player. I’ve heard from students and boosters of Pickerington Central that he’s the best all-around football player they’ve produced. That includes Jake Butt, Taco Charlton, and the Boren Brothers just to name a few.
Special Teams: 3
Three might end up being two. Punter Jake Hartbarger is back, but he needs to find consistency. Kicker Matt Coghlin is solid. The return game could see a game-breaker in Xavier Henderson. Darrell Stewart and Connor Heyward could also find some touches in the return game.
The real question for MSU could be finding consistency in kick and punt coverage. Limiting big plays on special teams will greatly assist a defense that will be out for blood.
Tyroil Smoochie-Wallace All Name Team Member:
Shakur Brown. All eyez on him.
Key Losses: LB Chris Frey, C Brian Allen
For a team that returns as many starters as MSU does, these losses hurt. The Allen family has graciously given the Spartan program two good linemen. Sophomore Matt Allen, the youngest of the three, should fill right in for Brian (drafted 111th overall by the LA Rams) at center. Chris Frey was a heart and soul type player on defense. The talent coming in may be better but there is no understating what he meant to Mark Dantonio’s program.
Five Year Recruiting Rank (Bill Connelly): 23
The Spartans have gained traction in the state of Michigan. Gone is Harlon Barnett, who was one of MSU’s best recruiters. The future classes look good. The recent classes are contributing. Dantonio continues to find good football players both in state and around the nation. MSU continues to win games. If this number goes up, Michigan State will be a force for years to come.
Alcohol Prediction:
Two Hearted Ale. It’s Pure Michigan. It’s gritty, it makes you happy and dammit it’s just the best thing in the state. Even people outside of Michigan agree that it’s just amazing.
Outlook:
Oh boy. It seems like every year we don’t want to get our hopes up too high here in East Lansing. However, results are results. Forget about the 3-9 year for a minute. Michigan State has continually been one of the best teams not only in the Big Ten but in the nation. Never has Dantonio brought back this much experience to compliment young talent like this.
Michigan and Ohio State are both at home. Road tests against Arizona State, Indiana, Maryland and Nebraska will be tricky. That doesn’t even include the daunting task of going to Happy Valley. This is a very navigable schedule for the Spartans. MSU goes up against some elite teams. But there’s no reason to believe that MSU isn’t one of the elite teams in the Big Ten.
10-2.